Parody of a parody X36! This one deals with the FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS that replaced the old Redeye in 1981 and has been used around the world ever since. It is probably most remembered for its appearance in the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan from '79-'89. It gave the Mujahs an advantage over the Mil-24 Hind gunships and low-flying Sukhois that constantly hit them on the ground and at high points along select routes. The Stinger is a simple 4-piece unit consisiting of a grip/frame, disposable tube launcher with missile, a targeting system, and IFF system. The operator uses the open sight to train on a low-flying enemy helo or aircraft, half-pulls the trigger to activate both the sensors (IR/UV) and IFF and then within 5 secs the IFF gives a positive ID and lock-on. The operator then pulls the trigger the entire way back for launch. The missile travels at Mach 2.2. out to between 450-4500m for a strike at the engine(s). Most of the Mils went down but the Su-25 Frogfoot (aka Gratch) survived many hits due to the armored bulkwall between engines. Still, the aircraft and helo losses became unsustainable and the Reds went home in '89.

*Mils= Mil-24 Hinds, **SUs= Su-25 Frogfoots, *** ventral and dorsal refer to aircraft engine strikes and helo strikes (where the engines are mounted, ventral are lower strikes and dorsal are upper strikes) **** Gratch= nickname of Su-25, means "Rook"